Exploring gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free and more...

There’s nothing better then having freshly baked muffins on a Sunday morning. Sometimes you need a sweet side to those scrambled eggs and that can always be especially difficult for someone who’s eating gluten free. Healthy, nutrient rich muffins are a fantastic breakfast idea for those who don’t make time for it. Even if you aren’t hungry right away, you can throw one in your bag and it’ll be ready when that mid morning hunger comes along.

Not only will get a good balance of whole grains, healthy fats and fiber, but you’ll also get a serving of veggies! Have no fear, the only way you’d know theres zucchini is by those green specks, otherwise you’d have no idea. These muffins are awesome on their own, but have added decadence from this vegan cashew ginger frosting. You can play them off as cupcakes for the little ones. As always this recipe is gluten, dairy and refined sugar free… Have a great weekend!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tin with liners. In a large bowl,mash your banana until no lumps remain. Process or grate your zucchini. Then whisk into your banana mixture. Once well combined add your eggs,coconut oil, date syrup and vanilla.
2. In another medium mixing bowl, sift together remaining ingredients dry ingredients (leave out the dates).
3. Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet until well combined. Fold in your chopped dates.
4. Using two spoons, add batter to muffin liners until 3/4 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. While the muffins are baking, you can make your frosting. Add all ingredients up until almond milk into a food processor or high powered blender. Add almond milk until desired consistency is reached. Store in the fridge.
6. Once muffins have cooled, frost using a blunt knife or spatula. Finish with lemon zest! Frosted muffins have to be stored in the fridge.

Its a lot easier to crack open a box of crackers and get snacking however, homemade crackers are an impressive fancy treat. These rosemary poppy seed crackers are an incredible addition to your table if you are having guests over. Instead of that predictable bottle of wine you bring to your friends, why not stack these up in a mason jar, or wrap in parchment paper with some twine. Gluten free, Paleo friendly and low carb, these almond and coconut flour crackers are tasty and filling. These crackers really call for a nice dip. I used my homemade hummus, but salsa and guacamole would be killer.

The biggest struggle I faced in making these crackers was pressing out the dough. The lack of gluten made the dough slightly crumbly (adding more water helps) and I couldn’t roll it out with my rolling pin. I left the dough in the fridge overnight which made it much easier to press out. I found my fingers were the best tool for pressing. Wet your fingers with ice cold water and press away until it is as thin as you can get them. If you prefer the crackers a bit softer (more like a bread) then leave the dough on the thicker side. If thats the case then you can also make this into a flatbread or pizza crust. Very versatile, enjoy everyone!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line and grease a baking sheet (large or 2 medium) with parchment paper.

2. Combine all ingredients except the water then slowly add the water until you have a firm dough.

3. Place in the fridge for at least one hour or overnight.

4. Smooth dough onto a baking sheet using a spatula or your hands (dip hands in ice cold water to prevent sticking.)

5. Bake for 10-15 minutes depending on your oven. You want them to be a golden brown with crispy edges. Check on them at the 10 minute mark and then bake for longer if necessary. It took the full 15 minutes for mine. I cut mine into squares right from the oven and then let them cool. Once they cooled I broke them into crackers. For a more rustic look, let the crackers cool completely then break apart with your hands. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.